'Prisoner' house plans scrapped

Councillors said the house in Burry Port was "totally unsuitable"

Plans to use a residential house in Carmarthenshire for offenders have been withdrawn in the face of opposition.

A company called Clearsprings wanted to house up to three prisoners eligible for tagging, on remand or awaiting sentence in a cul-de-sac in Burry Port.

More than 100 residents met on Monday to oppose the idea with councillors claiming it was "totally unsuitable".

Carmarthenshire Council said it was pleased the company had "taken local opinion fully into account."

The Ministry of Justice said the semi-detached would not have been used by dangerous offenders.

The UK government launched the Bail Accommodation and Support Service scheme in England and Wales last year.

It is expected around 500 people will be housed in such accommodation by the summer.

A residents meeting called to oppose the plan had to be moved to a larger venue on Monday because so many people turned up.

Carmarthenshire Council's head of housing Robin Staines said: "We are pleased with Clearspring's decision to reconsider the property.

"This clearly reflects local opinion and it is pleasing that they have taken that fully into account."